Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Widow takes full ownership of B.C. ski resort after judge rules on unsigned will

Unsigned will recognized as 'testimentary intention' to hand over operation of Powder King north of Prince George to widowed wife
jpeg
Powder King ski resort near Mackenzie. | Colliers

A judge has recognized an unsigned will as the "testimentary intention" of the now-deceased part-owner of Powder King Mountain Resort to hand over the operation's reins to his widowed wife.

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Briana Hardwick signed an order to that effect during a hearing in Kelowna on Monday, clearing the way for Heidi Robyn Salisbury to take ownership.

According to a petition filed in mid-August, Christopher James Salisbury had been in the process of drafting a primary and secondary will when, ailing from a long-running lung disease, his health took a turn for the worse and he was admitted to hospital in April 2022.

Due to his condition, he was unable to sign the wills before he died.

In instances where a written will has not been signed by the will-maker and two witnesses, the court can still determine it is valid on the basis of other records, according to the petition.

Through a holding company, the couple held complete ownership of the ski resort with the shares split on a 50-50 basis.

Powder King Resort Inc. also operates a campground and store at nearby Azouzetta Lake and a gravel pit in the District of Mackenzie, according to the petition.

Since at least this past March, the resort has been up for sale with a current asking price of just under $7.5 million.